To Know by Meridel Kahl

To know strength in stillness
follow the white heron,
stilt-legged Tai Chi master
lifting, dropping
one clawed foot
then the other
along the pebble beach of Turtle Lake.

To know peace beyond fear
watch the great horned owl
as he rests in the arms of the pine,
gathers strength from the breeze
before lifting off
into chilled autumn air.

To know your place in the world
listen to the silence
of deep spaces within you.
Like the heron, walk
out your door in the morning.
Like the owl, release yourself
into the questions of a new day.